Daviess County’s Dr. Cheryl Purdy, well-respected digital forensics expert, has been honored to have been selected for participation in the prestigious Fulbright Specialist Program. As part of this program, Dr. Purdy will be embarking on an important project at the University of Akureyri in Iceland, with the main goal of helping the Icelandic police force in their efforts to combat cybercrime.

Dr. Purdy, who serves as the lead digital forensic examiner/analyst for the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office, possesses a wealth of experience in the field of digital forensics. She has dedicated 13 years to her role at the DCSO, and throughout her career, she has conducted numerous examinations that have contributed to successful convictions in both state and federal courts.

Hailing from Calhoun, Kentucky, Dr. Purdy began her professional journey at Kentucky Wesleyan College, majoring in mathematics. She then transitioned into an esteemed teaching career, beginning at Apollo High School before moving on to teach at various postsecondary institutions, including the University of the Cumberlands, Western Kentucky University, and the University of Louisville.

It was Dr. Purdy’s colleagues at the University of Louisville who encouraged her to pursue the Fulbright Specialist Program. After submitting her application last spring, Dr. Purdy was ecstatic to be accepted into the prestigious program, which is administered by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

The Fulbright Specialist Program provides opportunities for highly experienced U.S. academics and professionals to collaborate with host institutions abroad, sharing their expertise and contributing to the fulfillment of the host institutions’ priorities and goals. Projects, which typically range from two to six weeks in duration, are offered year-round.

For Dr. Purdy, this incredible opportunity arose in the form of a project at the University of Akureyri in Iceland. The project’s main objectives are to further develop a course on cybercrime for prospective police officers, improve the education of current and future police officers in Iceland on matters of cybercrime, and utilize Dr. Purdy’s expertise to assist the Icelandic police force in combating the escalating problem of cybercrime within their country.

Moreover, the University of Akureyri has expressed a strong interest in strengthening the education and training on cybercrime given to its students. In 2016, police education in Iceland was elevated to the university level, and since then, the University of Akureyri has been committed to expanding its program on cybercrime.

Upon her arrival at the University of Akureyri, Dr. Purdy aims to deliver two presentations that will be open to students, members of the community, and local law enforcement. These presentations will cover topics of cybersecurity in general and delve into Dr. Purdy’s area of expertise, digital forensics.

Having accumulated years of professional experience, Dr. Purdy’s expertise is widely acknowledged. She has worked with prestigious organizations such as the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training, the National White Collar Crime Center, the Secret Service-funded National Computer Forensics Institute, and the American Academy of Applied Forensics. Her dedication has earned her several accolades, including the 2021 National Sheriff’s Association Reserve Deputy of the Year award, the 2021 New Beginnings (Sexual Assault Support Services) Voice for Change Award, and the 2021 Owensboro Noon Optimist Respect for Law Award.

The Fulbright Program, funded by the U.S. Department of State, is designed to cultivate lasting connections between the United States and other nations. Through the exchange of knowledge and expertise, it aims to foster international cooperation and understanding.

In light of Dr. Purdy’s selection for this prestigious program, the community of Daviess County stands united in celebrating this remarkable achievement. Dr. Purdy’s dedication and expertise exemplify the talent and capability within the county, and her contributions to the University of Akureyri in Iceland are sure to make a meaningful and lasting impact in the global fight against cybercrime.

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